Nessaea species
These are closely related to Catonephele, and are easily recognised by the green colouration to the underwing and the pigmentary blue bands on the forewing.There are five species.They are confined to swampy primary rain forest and are fast flyers. They feed on rotting fruit.
They are unusual in producing one of only a few blue pigments to be found in any animal species, as most species use iridescence (such as M didius) . The pigment (pterobilin) may have a role in heat transfer (P.brassicae species) as the wing scales with the pigment pterobilin are morphologically different that may facilitate photoreception.
Other species that use pterobilin include G. agamemnon, G.antiphates ,G.doson and G.sarpedon.
The related compound -phorcabilin is used by P phorcas and G weiskei .
Nessaea aglaura
Mexico
M A1 £8 out of stock
Nessaea hewitsonii
Hewitson's olivewing -male
Peru
WS - variable 60-70mm
Pair (M/F) A1/a1- £18
Male verso
Hewitson's olivewing- Female
Peru
WS -variable 60-70mm
Verso
Nessaea obrinus
Peru
WS 65mm